HORL 2 Walnut Rolling Knife Sharpener - Kitchen Knife Sharpener for Razor Sharp Edges Made in Germany - Easy Knife Sharpening Kit - Roller with Magnetic Holder with 15 & 20 Degrees

Nothing will ever beat a good whetstone. The problem with whetstones, however, is that they take a lot of practice to be able to effectively use. Maintaining a proper angle is tough to do by feel.This system solves this problem, and it couldn't be easier to use.The unit is simple--it's just two parts: a magnetic angle block and a sharpening roller. Here's how they work.The angle block is cut for two angles,15 degrees and 20 degrees. Each have a silicone-padded magnet which will hold your blade in place without scratching it. The angle you need depends on the intended use of the knife: kitchen knives, fillet knives, or blades meant for fine cutting generally need the 15 degrees side of the block; outdoor knives, pocket knives, and blades which are meant for heavy-duty use generally need the 20 degrees side. Whichever side you use, the practice is the same--attach your blade cutting-side-up, make sure the edge is above the angle block, and you're ready to rock.Now comes the roller assembly. About the size of your average Yahtzee dice cup, each end has a different grit. For really dull knives or knives with an uneven edge, you'll want to use the course grit and spend time with it until your knife has a good consistent edge. No need to apply much pressure--just roll the sharpener along the edge and let the grinding pad do its thing. Once that's done, spin the sharpening roller around and polish your new edge. If your blade is only beveled on one side, that's the side you want to present to the roller's grinders. If the blade is beveled on both sides, you'll want to reverse the blade on your angle block and do them both.You're going to wind up with a very sharp knife.This unit has a very high-quality build. The rollers are smooth, and the grinding pads are consistent. Unlike using a grinding wheel, you're not going to generate enough heat to destroy the temper on your blade: your edge will hold as long as the quality of your blades will allow. The grinders are also replaceable, meaning there's no reason you won't get decades of good use out of this. Sure, it's a bit pricey--but this is an instance where you really do get what you pay for.Highly recommended!

I've tried other methods to keep my kitchen knives sharp, from stones and leather strops, to a difficult to assemble jig. I research the other rolling sharpeners, but this is the one to get. It's a bit more cost but the quality is better and the surface should last much longer than cheaper knockoffs. The magnet is strong to securely hold the knife. I recommend this, the true original rolling sharpener.

I was a little uncertain about this device as it just seemed too good to be true. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually is as easy to use at it appeared. I have now used it on numerous different knives and it has put very good edges on almost everything. I have a heavy Bowie-style clip-point hunting knife and the Horl 2 put a beautiful, sharp edge on this, including the curved portion, in less than 10 minutes (and it was moderately dull). I was also able to bring back the edge on a knife my father had made, in about 10 minutes as well.There were a couple of issues I feel need to be pointed out:Very small blades present a couple of problems. For example, the 1 1/2 inch (3.8 cm) blade on my Swiss Army knife. It was a little difficult to work with this small blade as it kept wanting to slide down the face of the blade holder. It appeared that the magnets were in the center of the angled face of the holding block, so the edge was barely above the top of the block. I couldn't sharpen the blade of very small pen knife because I couldn't keep the edge exposed.As has been mentioned in the informational videos provided by the manufacturer, when you are sharpening very wide blades, you need to set the drum on a higher surface so it will contact the edge. I have a 2 inch thick cutting board that worked beautifully for this. However, one does have to be careful while sharpening these wide blades, as it is quite easy to push too hard against the blade, causing it to come away from the silicone face of the holding block. It took a little time for me to learn the correct pressure to use.All-in-all, an elegant and easy to use system to put a sharp edge on most of your knives. It is the best way I've found to put an edge with the correct angle on my knives. Very well worth the price.

I have had this for a couple months. I wanted to find out what it did and did not do well. First off, it is very well built. Solid with some weight to it. The angle magnet is strong enough for the application.I have collector knives and kitchen cutlery. I tried it first on a Benchmade drop point CLA. I found you had to fasten the blade to the magnet on the flat spot next to handle. Bingo, worked well. Stropped after and it was scary sharp. Next I tried a microtech dagger OTF. No dice. Blade won’t hold at the prescribed angle due to its shape. Use a stone. Fixed blade Bowie was next. Right back to scary sharp.Next was kitchen cutlery. Now this is where it really shines. Kitchen knives are usually flat sided and this what it is made for. In no time every knife I have in the kitchen is slicing paper. You can drag a paring knife through a tomato it sharpened it so well. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, due to having to put effort into using it. Not any more with this sharpener.If you’re buying to sharpen your EDC, depending on blade style you may want to stick with a stone. If you’re buying for kitchen cutlery. Don’t think twice. It’s expensive, but the construction is meant to last and the blade finish after sharpening is surgical. Can’t go wrong. Works as intended. 5 stars.